Perth Lynx have kept pace with unbeaten WNBL leaders Bendigo Spirit, completing a perfect week in round five with a hard-fought 89-82 victory over defending champions Southside Flyers.
The Lynx opened the round with a 106-80 thumping of Townsville and appeared headed for another resounding win on Sunday when they built a double-digit lead in the second quarter at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre.
Southside fought back and had chances to tie the game late in the fourth period, but the cool hand of top-scorer Miela Sowah (23 points) at the foul line sealed the result for Ryan Petrik's side.
Sowah scored six of Perth's last seven points across three unblemished trips to the charity stripe in the final minute.
Anneli Maley (11 points, 15 rebounds), Laeticia Amihere (14 points) and Ally Wilson (19 points, six steals) were also important.
"Sometimes you win ugly and I think that was one of those games for us, so we're happy to walk away with the W," Wilson told the Nine Network.
Bec Cole (22 points, seven rebounds) led the way for Southside (2-4), who were without Alice Kunek and Carley Ernst, while Maddi Rocci had 19 points and three steals on return.
Perth's fifth straight win - a second this season over last term's grand final foe - gave them a 6-1 record in second place, setting up a huge top-of-the-table clash with the Bendigo Spirit (7-0) in round six.
It comes after Bendigo welcomed back superstar Kelsey Griffin from injury and continued their winning start to the season with a 98-78 thumping of the UC Capitals (2-5) on Saturday night.
Big guns Veronica Burton (22 points), Sami Whitcomb (20) and Marianna Tolo (15) all fired for the Spirit, while Nyadiew Puoch (16) and Jade Melbourne (10 rebounds, eight assists) were among the Caps' best.
Griffin posted 11 points and eight rebounds in her first game of the season for Bendigo, after a delayed start to the campaign due to a fractured hand.
Also on Saturday, Sydney Uni Flames (2-4) returned to the winners' list with a 90-55 thumping of Geelong United (2-4).
A dominant third quarter laid the platform for the Flames, who won the crucial period 25-5 as Celeste Taylor, Cayla George, Emma Clarke and Shaneice Swain let fly from long range.
Swain top-scored with 25 points as Yemiyah Morris (14), Clarke (14) and George (13) all chipped in.
Morris also had 10 rebounds in a double-double, while Keely Froling had 11 points and 12 rebounds for Geelong.
On Friday, Townsville (4-3) split their road double after the loss to Perth and heaped more pain on last-placed Adelaide (1-5), coming from behind to win a thriller over the Lightning for a second straight week.
Courtney Woods was outstanding with 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds, and was crucial down the stretch as the Fire fought back from 15 points down to post a 69-68 win.
